Architecture is currently undergoing a global shift. The conditions for producing it have changed fundamentally in times of diminishing resources and crisis situations. Economic as well as ecological aspects, but also ongoing deficiencies in structurally weak areas, are putting new demands on architecture. Against this background, the exhibition, »The New Restraint« is presenting, in the form of installations extending over entire galleries, five trend-setting initiatives, which see a social and cultural commitment in building work. On the basis of videos, photography, plans, material samples in original size, as well as a walk-in model, forms of architecture are being shown, which employ simple means to react creatively to the shift outlined above. The exhibition is presenting projects distinguished by a high degree of independent initiative, often coming about in cooperation with a local populace as well as using locally-available building materials. In this way, an art of building takes centre stage, and it is one which contributes to improving people’s respective life-situations through intelligent design and innovative strategies. Despite in part difficult contexts, buildings intended for communities and displaying specific architectural quality are going up all around the world. With different focuses on the cultural context, local infrastructure and the production process, the Bielefelder Kunstverein presents practices that are facing up to the changed circumstances of production with vision, ambitious design and dedication.